A deity asks the Buddha on how many things should one cut off, abandon, and develop to cross over the flood.

Katichinda sutta - How Many Should One Cut Off

At Sāvatthi.

While standing to one side, that deity recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

“How many should one cut off, how many should one abandon,
how many further should one develop;
When a bhikkhu has overcome how many clingings,
is he said to be one who has crossed over the flood?”

[The Blessed One]: “|Five should one cut off::Five lower fetters of view of personal existence, doubt, adherence to rules and observances, sensual desire, and ill-will should be cut off.|, |five should one abandon::Five higher fetters of desire for fine-material existence, desire for immaterial existence, conceit, restlessness, and ignorance should be abandoned.|,
|five further should one develop::Five spiritual faculties of confidence, energy, mindfulness, collectedness, and wisdom should be further developed.|;
When a bhikkhu has overcome |five clinging::Clinging at the five aggregates of form, feeling, perception, volitional formations, and consciousness should be overcome.|,
he is said to be one who has crossed over the flood.”

Last updated on March 27, 2025

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